The Bombay High Court witnessed another chapter in the Aditya Pancholi rape case on February 24, marking the 28th hearing. The actor personally attended as his team pressed to nullify the FIR from 2019, which accuses him of repeated sexual misconduct against a fellow actress over five years starting 2004.
Advocate Prashant Patil underscored the complainant’s evasion, noting 11 unanswered summons from police for interrogation. Unimpressed, the judges mandated her attendance via new notices for the March 4 follow-up. The opposing counsel asked for delay to brief their client.
Pancholi, optimistic outside court, predicted the FIR’s end but held back on specifics due to sub-judice status. This protracted tussle originated from a June 2019 complaint detailing drugging, assault, photo blackmail, and prolonged harassment during her career nascent phase.
Dismissing the narrative as false and vengeful, Pancholi’s side points to the decade-and-a-half gap in reporting as proof of ulterior motives. They implore the court to quash proceedings, arguing it serves no public interest and reeks of personal animosity.
As this Bollywood scandal endures, it raises broader questions on statute limitations, complainant credibility, and celebrity accountability. The upcoming hearing could deliver closure or prolong the drama, keeping legal and media spotlights trained.